KR20180086274A - Bellows pressure relief valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The valve for the reciprocating pump includes a housing, a first chamber, a second chamber, a first valve element and a second valve element. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The first chamber and the second chamber are in the housing. The first chamber includes a first valve seat and is fluidly connected to the inlet. The second chamber includes a second valve seat and is fluidly connected to the outlet. The first valve element is disposed within the first chamber and includes a spring-mounted check valve element. The second valve element is disposed in the second chamber and comprises a floating material.

Description

Bellows pressure relief valve

Cross-reference to related application

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 269,436, filed December 18, 2015, entitled " Bellows Pressure Relief Valve ", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference do.

The present disclosure relates to a reciprocating pump, and more particularly to a reciprocating pump with a bellows seal.

In the reciprocating pump, a bellows is utilized to create a non-sliding seal to prevent exposure of the working fluid to ambient air. To prevent unwanted fluid leakage, a back-up seal is employed to seal the shaft surrounded by the bellows. However, the back-up seal does not allow the bellows to breathe as it seals the back of the bellows and the bellows contracts and expands, which can cause cycle fatigue and deformation of the bellows. If a simple breathing hole with a screen or mesh is placed between the bellows and the back-up seal, the volume of the working fluid to be discharged can be reduced, but if the air can be introduced and the bellows ruptured, You will not be able to continue.

The valve for the reciprocating pump includes a housing, a first chamber, a second chamber, a first valve element and a second valve element. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The first chamber and the second chamber are in the housing. The first chamber includes a first valve seat and is fluidly connected to the inlet. The second chamber includes a second valve seat and is fluidly connected to the outlet and the first chamber. The first valve element is disposed within the first chamber and includes a spring-mounted check valve element. The second valve element is disposed in the second chamber and comprises a floating material.

The reciprocating pump includes a first housing, a rod, a bellows, an end cap, a valve attached to the end cap, and a passage in the end cap. The first housing surrounds the bellows chamber and the displacement chamber. The rod extends into the reciprocating pump. The bellows is connected to the rod and the first housing, and includes a medial side. The end cap is disposed at one end of the first housing. The rod extends through the end cap. The valve includes a second housing, a first chamber, a second chamber, a first valve element and a second valve element. The second housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The first chamber and the second chamber are in the second housing. The first chamber includes a first valve seat and is fluidly connected to the inlet. The second chamber includes a second valve seat and is fluidly connected to the outlet and the first chamber. The first valve element is disposed within the first chamber and includes a spring-mounted check valve element. The second valve element is disposed in the second chamber and comprises a floating material. The passageway fluidly connects the medial side of the bellows to the valve.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a reciprocating pump with a bellows and a relief valve.
Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a reciprocating pump with bearings located within the bellows and bellows.
3 is a perspective view of the sleeve of the reciprocating pump.
4 is a perspective view of the bearing of the reciprocating pump.
5 is a perspective view of the sealing portion of the reciprocating pump.
6 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve having a three-lobe shape taken along line 6-6 of FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve having a two-lobe shape.
8 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve having a four-lobe shape.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional cut-away view of a reciprocating pump with bearings located in the bellows, taken along 9-9 in Figure 2;
10A is a perspective view of the bearing.
10B is a cross-sectional view of the bearing taken along 10-10 of FIG. 10A.
11 is a cross-sectional view of the relief valve.
12 is an exploded view of the relief valve.
13A is a perspective view of a conical valve element of a relief valve.
13B is a cross-sectional view of a relief valve with a conical valve element.

The pump (Figures 1 and 2)

1 and 2 are sectional views of the reciprocating pump 10. 1 and 2 will be discussed together.

The reciprocating pump 10 includes a housing 12, an upper end 13 of the housing 12 with a bellows chamber 14, a lower end 15 of the housing 12 with a displacement chamber 16, A rod 26 with a piston 18, a piston 18, a throat seal 19, outlets 20A and 20B, inlets 22A and 22B, a conduit 24, a shoulder 28 and a neck 29 The bellows 36, the nut 42, the bearing 44, the bearing 30, the sleeve 30, the outer portion 32 of the sleeve 30, the collar 34, the inner portion 38 and the convolution 40, A bearing 54, a seal 56 and a relief valve 58 with a passage 48 and a passage 50. The end cap 46, Figure 1 also includes a flow F through the reciprocating pump 10.

The reciprocating pump 10 includes a bellows circulation pump configured to pump paint and / or other fluid. It should be understood that although the paint will be used as an example in this disclosure, it is only an example, and other fluids (e.g., water, oil, solvent, etc.) may be pumped instead of the paint. In one non-limiting embodiment, the reciprocating pump 10 is a four-ball double acting pump, such as any of the known four-ball pumps in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment, the reciprocating pump 10 may include a pump as described in the "Sealed 4-Balloon" repair / parts manual, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In another non-limiting embodiment, the reciprocating pump 10 is a single-pump pump or a double-acting pump with or without a bellows (a " sealed 4-balloon ", No. 333022B, revision B, Graco Inc., May 2016) Lt; / RTI >

The housing 12 is a solid, generally cylindrical, closed tube. The housing 12 may comprise a material such as steel, aluminum or other materials. The upper end 13 of the housing 12 is the upper end of the housing 12 located at or near the upper portion of the housing 12. The bellows chamber 14 is a compartment within the upper end 13 of the housing 12 (shown in FIG. 1). The lower end 15 of the housing 12 is the lower end of the housing 12 located at or near the lower portion of the housing 12. [ The displacement chamber 16 forms a compartment within the lower portion of the housing 12 (shown in FIG. 1). Displacement chamber 16 is configured for the management and delivery of the working fluid within displacement chamber 16. Cylindrical manifold 17 is a component of solid material configured for the management and delivery of working fluid within cylindrical manifold 17. The piston 18 is a piston made of various assembly parts and is configured to pump the working fluid through the material displacement chamber 16. [ The throat seal 19 is a high pressure seal configured to prevent the transmission of fluid across the throat seal 19. The outlet 20A is a hollow tubular duct extending from the upper end 13 of the housing 12 and is configured to deliver fluid out of the housing 12 through the outlet 20A and into the conduit 24. The outlet 20B is a hollow tubular duct extending from the housing 12 and is configured to transfer fluid from the housing 12 to the outside of the housing 12. The inlet 22A is a hollow tubular duct extending from the upper end 13 of the housing 12 and is configured to transfer fluid from the outside of the housing 12 into the bellows chamber 14 of the housing 12. The inlet 22B is a hollow tubular duct extending from the housing 12 and is configured to transfer fluid from the conduit 24 to the housing 12. The conduit 24 is a hollow tube.

The rod 26 is a elongated solid material part. Near the upper end of the rod, the rod 26 includes a shoulder 28 formed by the step in the rod 26. The rod 26 also includes a neck 29 that forms a portion of the rod 26 having a diameter that is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the remainder of the rod 26. In one non-limiting embodiment, the neck 29 is positioned over the shoulder 28 (shown in FIG. 2). Sleeve 30 is a cylindrical or tubular part of solid material. The outer portion 32 is the outer surface of the sleeve 30. The collar 34 is a ring of solid material with a configuration and / or means for attaching the collar 34 to the rod 26. The bellows 36 is a flexible sleeve with a convolution 40 that has a folded floor and valley along the surface of the bellows 36 so that the bellows 36 is positioned within the bellows chamber 14 of the housing 12 Contraction and expansion. In one non-limiting embodiment, the material of the bellows 36 may be polytetrafluoroethylene, another type of tetrafluoroethylene, or other material with abrasion resistance. The cross-sectional shape of the bellows 36 (not shown in FIG. 1 or 2) may include a circular or multi-lobe shape.

Nut 42 is a ring of threaded solid material. The bearing 44 is formed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or other type of thermoplastic and / or abrasion resistant material such as molyethylene. End cap 46 is a disc of solid material with various openings or bores extending at least partially through end cap 46. The end cap 46 also includes an opening 48 and a passageway 50. The opening 48 is an opening or passage through the end cap 46 and extends upwardly / downwardly (up and down in FIG. 2) from the bottom of the end cap 46 to the top of the end cap 46. Passage 50 is a conduit for the delivery of fluid. The bearing 54 is a ring of solid material with an abrasion resistant surface. Seal 56 is an annular element with a flexible sealing surface. The relief valve 58 is a valve for regulating the flow of fluid into and / or out of the reciprocating pump 10.

The flow F is the path of the fluid flow through the reciprocating pump 10. In some non-limiting embodiments, the fluid of flow (F) may be a gas or liquid such as paint, oil, gas, water, hydraulic fluid, solvent, soap or other industrial fluid.

The reciprocating pump 10 is connected to the motor and can be driven by it. In some non-limiting embodiments, the reciprocating pump 10 may be connected to a pneumatic, hydraulic or electric motor. The bellows chamber 14 and the displacement chamber 16 of the housing 12 are separated from each other by a portion of the housing 12. The piston (18) is attached to the lower end of the rod (26). The throat seal 19 forms a seal with a rod 26 and is attached to the rod 26 so that the rod 26 can be moved up and down relative to the throat seal 19. [ The throat seal 19 is also secured to the upper end of the lower end 15 of the housing 12. The outlet 20A is fluidly connected to the bellows chamber 14 of the housing 12. The outlet 20A is fluidly connected to the inlet 22B through a conduit 24 extending from the outlet 20A of the housing 12 to the inlet 22B for fluid transport from the outlet 20A to the inlet 22B. do. The inlet 22A is fluidly connected to the bellows chamber 14 of the housing 12. The inlet 22B is fluidly connected to the displacement chamber 16 of the housing 12.

The rod 26 extends through the opening 48 of the end cap 46 into the bellows chamber 14 of the housing 12. A portion of the rod 26 also partially extends into the displacement chamber 16. The rod 26 with its lobe shape interacts with the bearing 54 in the end cap 46 to prevent relative rotation between the rod 26 and the end cap 46. The sleeve 30 is connected to the rod 26 so that the sleeve 30 surrounds a portion of the rod 26. A portion of the sleeve (30) contacts the shoulder (28) of the rod (26). The sleeve 30 is secured to the rod 26 with a threaded fastener, bolt, clip or any other type of mechanical fastener. Sleeve 30 is mounted on rod 26 and rests on shoulder 28 of rod 26. The collar 34 is attached to the rod 26 on the sleeve 30 to maintain the collar 34 against the shoulder 28 of the rod 26 such that the collar 34 urges the sleeve 30 against the rod 26, . The collar 34 is also attached to the rod 26 at the neck 29 of the rod 26. In some non-limiting embodiments, the collar 34 is attached to the rod 26 via a threaded engagement, fastener, adhesive, or any other attachment means known in the art. The rod 26 and the sleeve 30 extend through the bearing 54.

The bellows 36 is clamped by the nut 42 to the rod 26 and the sleeve 30 so that the nut 42 compresses and seals the lower end of the bellows 36 against the sleeve 30, 30) and the bellows (36). The bellows 36 is secured between the end cap 46 and the upper end 13 of the housing 12 to prevent relative angular movement between the bellows 36 and the housing 12. [ The bearings 44 are disposed on the sleeve 30 in the bellows 36 and are each radially aligned with one of the convolutions of the bellows 36.

The end cap 46 is disposed and secured to the upper end 13 of the housing 12. A passageway 50 extending through a portion of the end cap 46 fluidly connects the inner portion 38 of the bellows 36 to the relief valve 58. The bearing 54 disposed between the end cap 46 and the sleeve 30 is slidably engaged with the sleeve 30 such that the bearing 54 is supported by the rod 26 and the sleeve 30 both inside and outside the housing 12 Lt; / RTI > The bearing 54 is fitted within the opening 48 of the end cap 46. The shape of the bearing 54 matches the shape of the opening 48 in the end cap 46. The seal 56 is disposed between the end cap 46 and the sleeve 30 (or rod 26) so that the seal 56 prevents the transfer of fluid between the rod 26 and the end cap 46 do. A relief valve 58 may be attached to the end cap 46 and screwed into the end cap 46. The relief valve 58 is also fluidly connected to the passageway 50 in the end cap 46.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the reciprocating pump 10 is assembled by attaching the first end of the bellows 36 to the first end of the sleeve 30. The first end of the bellows 36 is attached to the first end of the sleeve 30 by securing the bellows 36 to the sleeve 30 with a nut 42 so that the nut 42 is in fluid communication with the bellows 36 One end is compressed and sealed against the sleeve (30). The sleeve 30 with the bellows 36 is slid into a portion of the rod 26. The sleeve 30 is secured to the rod 26. The sleeve 30 is slid on the rod 26 so that the sleeve 30 contacts the shoulder 28 of the rod 26. The collar 34 is attached to the rod 26 on the sleeve 30 so that the collar 34 holds a portion of the sleeve 30 relative to the shoulder 28 of the rod 26. The sleeve 30 is secured to the rod 26 by attaching the sleeve 30 to the rod 26 with a threaded fastener, bolt or clip. The sleeve 30 and the rod 26 are inserted into the housing 12 of the reciprocating pump 10. The end cap 46 together with the rod 26 and the sleeve 30 are secured to the housing 12 of the reciprocating pump 10 with at least one threaded fastener. The second end of the bellows 36 is attached to the end cap 46 of the housing 12 of the reciprocating pump 10. The end cap 46 is secured to the housing 12 of the reciprocating pump 10 with a threaded fastener.

During operation of the reciprocating pump 10, the rod 26 together with the piston 18 is reciprocally driven in the housing 12. The rod 30 and the sleeve 30 are mounted such that the sleeve 30 moves with the rod 26 relative to the housing 12 and the sleeve 30 remains stationary relative to the rod 26. [ do. The throat seal 19 is mounted within the housing 12 so that the throat seal 19 limits the passage of fluid between the bellows chamber 14 and the displacement chamber 16. The bearing 54 and the seal 56 provide a seal between the rod 26 and the end cap 46 as the rod 26 reciprocates in and out of the housing 12. The connection between the bellows 36 and the sleeve 30 is a static seal that prevents the working fluid from entering the inner portion 38 of the bellows 36 through the connection point between the sleeve 30 and the bellows 36. [ . The bellows 36 creates a non-slide seal with a sleeve 30 that prevents the working fluid of the reciprocating pump 10 from being exposed to ambient air. As the rod 26 reciprocates into the housing 12, the bellows 36 expands and the length of the bellows 36 increases. As the rod 26 reciprocates out of the housing 12, the bellows 36 contracts and the length of the bellows 36 decreases.

By using the sleeve 30, the rod 26 can be a single part, which improves the strength and reliability of the rod 26. The configuration of the reciprocating pump 10 does not require complete disassembly of the reciprocating pump 10 for replacing the bellows 36. [ After the end cap 46 and collar 34 are removed from the housing 12, the bellows 36 and the sleeve 30 can be pulled together out of the top of the reciprocating pump 10.

Another advantage of the sleeve 30 is that the sleeve 30 and the bellows 36 can be removed from the reciprocating pump 10 without removing the rod 26. For example, if the bellows 36 fails in the field, the user may remove the collar 34, remove the end cap 46, and slide the sleeve 30 and bellows 36 out of the reciprocating pump 10 . The bellows 36 is then replaced on the sleeve 30 and the assembly is slid into the reciprocating pump 10 over the rod 26. The rest of the process is reversed to assemble the reciprocating pump 10. In this way, the rod 26 does not need to be removed and is interpreted as not touching the rod and piston seal, which could damage the displacement chamber 16 of the pump housing 12. This greatly simplifies the replacement of the bellows 36 compared to conventional designs.

Lobed sleeves (Figures 3 to 8)

3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the sleeve 30 and the sleeve 30 includes a lobe shape with three lobes 60 arranged around the rod axis A _R. The lobes 60 may be formed during the manufacture of the sleeve 30. [ The lobes 60 may be formed such that the sleeve 30 and the lobes 60 comprise a single material component or the lobes 60 may be attached or fixed to the sleeve 30. [ The cross-section of the sleeve 30 includes a lobe shape (see FIGS. 6 to 8), which may include at least two lobes, for example two, three, four or more lobes.

The bearing 54, the seal 56 and the opening 48 of the end cap 46 are configured to match the lobe shape of the cross section of the sleeve 30. The bearing 54 is fitted in the opening 48 of the end cap 46 and the sleeve 30 is fitted in the bearing 54 such that the end cap 46, the bearing 54 and the sleeve 30 are connected to the housing 12 To prevent rotation of the sleeve 30 relative to the sleeve 30.

During operation or assembly of a conventional reciprocating pump, the pump rod may rotate relative to the pump housing, which may cause the bellows 36 to deteriorate structure and performance. Conventional solutions include the use of D-shaped rods having flat sides and small corner radii, which can be difficult to manufacture and difficult to seal.

The lobe shape of the sleeve 30 and the corresponding bearing 54, seal 56 and opening 48 of the end cap 46 may be used to prevent rotation of the sleeve 30 relative to the housing 12 Thereby providing a stop. The sleeve 30 engages with the end cap 46 of the housing 12 to inhibit rotation of the sleeve 30 during assembly and operation of the reciprocating pump 10. The lobe shape of the sleeve 30 can be easily polished with the sleeve 30 with high precision and good surface finish, both of which are requirements for the reciprocating pump 10 and the seal 56 to function properly. In particular, the three-lobe configuration provides for the three-lobes to provide an inherent centering characteristic to the sleeve 30, while allowing the back seal within the reciprocating bellows pump, such as the seal 54 in the reciprocating pump 10, But still maintains the minimum corner radius of sleeve 30. The inherent centering characteristic of the sleeve 30 in correspondence that the bellows 36 is automatically centered relative to the rod 26 and the housing 12 due to the shape of the rod 26 and the lobes 30 And extends to the bellows 36.

The advantage of rotation prevention is that the seal 56 is sealed with the end cap 46 and the rod 26 to prevent fluid from escaping out of the housing 12 through the interface between the end cap 46 and the rod 26. [ To form an interface. The lobe configuration of the sleeve 30 also permits better sealing between the sleeve 30 and the end cap 46 as compared to the D-configuration or the rod 26 and / or the sleeve 30, Allowing more torque to be applied between the rod 26 and the housing 12 before damage to any element of the pump 10 occurs.

4 is a perspective view of the bearing 54 of the reciprocating pump 10; The bearing 54 is configured to receive the lobe shape of the sleeve 30. In FIG. 4, the bearing 54 is shown as including three lobes 62. In other non-limiting embodiments, the bearing 54 may include a cross-sectional shape that includes more or less than three lobes 62, such as two, four, or more lobes.

5 is a perspective view of the sealing portion 56 of the reciprocating pump 10. Fig. The seal (56) is configured to receive the lobe shape of the sleeve (30). In FIG. 5, the seal 56 is shown to include three lobes 64. In another non-limiting embodiment, the seal 56 may include a cross-sectional shape that includes more or less than three lobes 64, such as two, four, or more lobes.

In conventional pumps, the rod and the corresponding seal comprise a small corner radius, which makes it difficult to provide a seal between the rod and the seal. The lobe shape of the sleeve 30 and the sealing portion 56 is such that the sealing portion 56 coincides with the rounded corner radius of the lobe 60 of the sleeve 30 and the sleeve 30 and the sealing portion 56 to provide a more secure seal.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve 30 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. Sleeve 30 includes a three-lobed shape with three lobes 60. The lobes 60 are formed with the sleeve 30 as the sleeve 30 is machined or manufactured. In another non-limiting embodiment, the lobe (60) may be attached to the sleeve (30). The lobe shape of the sleeve 30 and the sealing portion 56 is such that the sealing portion 56 coincides with the rounded corner radius of the lobe 60 of the sleeve 30 and is sealed with the sleeve 30, (56). ≪ / RTI > In addition, the three-lobe shape of the sleeve 30 provides a unique centering characteristic, while still maintaining a minimum allowable corner radius in the back-up seal, such as the seal 54 in the reciprocating pump 10.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve 30 '. Sleeve 30 'includes a two-lobed shape with two lobes 60'. The two-lobe configuration of the sleeve 30 'engages with the end cap 46 of the housing 12 to inhibit rotation of the sleeve 30' and the rod 26 during assembly and operation of the reciprocating pump 10 .

The lobe configuration of the sleeve 30 "includes a lobe 30 " of the housing 12 ". The sleeve 30 " And prevents the sleeve 30 "and the rod 26 from rotating during assembly and operation of the reciprocating pump 10.

The bearings (Figures 9, 10A and 10B)

9 is a sectional cut-away view of the reciprocating pump 10 taken along line 9-9 in Fig. 9 shows a side view of the housing 12, the rod 26, the sleeve 30, the outer side 32 of the sleeve 30, the bellows 36, the inner side 38 of the bellows 36, the convolution 40, (42) and bearing (44).

The bearing 44 is disposed within the inner portion 38 of the bellows 36 between the bellows 36 and the sleeve 30. The bearing 44 extends around the outer portion 32 of the sleeve 30 and extends in the radial direction of the radial direction of the rod axle A _{R from} the convolution 40 of the bellows 36, . The bearing 44 is sleeve 30 and be slidably coupled, the sleeve 30 has bearings 44, shown by arrow (R _M) as the bellows (36) movable relative to the sleeve 30 As shown in Fig. For example, as the bellows 36 contracts and expands, each of the convolutions 40 moves axially relative to the rod 26 and the sleeve 30. As each bearing 44 is radially aligned with one of the convolutions 40, each bearing 44 moves with the convolution 40 as the bellows 36 contracts and expands.

The bearing 44 is positioned to prevent the bellows 36 from contacting the rod 26 during compression and expansion of the bellows 36. During operation of the reciprocating pump 10, the bearing 44 advances up and down on the rod 26 to support the bellows 36 and prevent the bellows 36 from buzzing and being damaged. Thereby protecting the bellows 36 from contact with the sleeve 30 which can damage the bellows 36 by preventing the bellows 36 from being shaken and damaged. Preventing damage to the bellows 36 prevents working fluid from passing into the inner side 38 of the bellows 36 and causing failure of the reciprocating pump 10.

The number of bearings 44 in the reciprocating pump 10 may include one or more bearings. In one non-limiting embodiment, the bearings 44 may be spaced substantially evenly apart from each other along the inner side 38 of the bellows 36. In another non-limiting embodiment, the bearings 44 may be arranged in a uniform or non-uniform spacing pattern to take account of the length and operating behavior of the bellows 36 and the reciprocating pump 10.

10A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bearing 44 configured to mate with a three-lobe embodiment of sleeve 30. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the bearing 44 taken along 10-10 of FIG. 10A. 10A and 10B will be discussed together.

The bearing 44 is a snap-ring and includes a slit 66, a floor portion 68 and a medial side surface 70. The slit 66 includes the discontinuity of the bearing 44. The slit (66) includes a cutaway portion along the bearing (44). In other non-limiting embodiments, the slit 66 may include other shapes other than diagonal, such as curved, zigzag, serrated, or other geometric-shaped interfaces. The floor portion 68 generally includes a leading edge of the bearing 44 that extends radially outwardly from the bearing 44. The floor portion 68 may be formed as a part of the bearing 44 or may be attached to the bearing 44. [

The inner side surface 70 of the bearing 44 is the inner side of the bearing 44 having a cross-sectional shape configured to receive the lobe shape of the sleeve 30. The cross-sectional shape of the inner side surface 70 of the bearing 44 includes a 3-lobe configuration. In other non-limiting embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the inner side surface 70 of the bearing 44 may include a lobe shape with two, four, or more lobes. In still other non-limiting embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the inner side surface 70 of the bearing 44 may include any shape other than a lobe shape, such as, for example, a circle. In a non-limiting embodiment of this inner surface 70, three contact points are provided on three (3) points of the sleeve 30 to maintain the axial position of the bearing 44 without adapting the shape of the inner surface 70 to the lobe shape. Is formed on the circular inner side surface 70 (or inner diameter) of the bearing 44 having a lobe shape. This configuration can press the bearing 44 to be coaxial with the rod 26 and / or the sleeve 30.

The slit 66 allows the bearing 44 to be twisted during installation so that the bearing 44 can be inserted into the bellows 36. The interface at the slit 66 allows a portion of the bearing 44 to be split and wound into the interior. The diameter of the bearing 44 is reduced by winding the bearing 44 on itself while installing the bearing 44 in the bellows 36. [ As the bearing 44 is wound into the inside, the effective diameter of the bearing 44 is reduced. With the diameter reduced, the bearing 44 is inserted into the bellows 36. When aligning with one of the convolutions 40 of the bellows 36, the effective diameter of the bearing 44 increases as the bearing 44 is loosened. With the diameter of the bearing 44 increased, the bearing 44 is snap-engaged into one of the convolutions 40 of the bellows 36. As the bearing 44 snaps into one of the convolutions 40 of the bellows 36, the floor portion 68 is inserted into one of the convolutions 40 of the bellows 36. As the crest 68 is inserted into one of the convolutions 40 of the bellows 36 the bearing 44 is held in place with respect to one of the convolutions 40 of the bellows 36, Thereby preventing relative axial displacement between the convolutions 40. [ As the bellows 36 expands and contracts along the rod 26 and sleeve 30 the bearing 44 moves with one of the convolutions 40 of the bellows 36 to cause the bellows 36 to move in the sleeve 30 from contacting with each other.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the bearing 44 may be in contact with the bellows 36 via a dedicated receiving groove located within the convolution of the bellows 36. The dedicated receiving groove may include a sleeve collar including a groove for receiving the bearing (44). The dedicated receiving grooves may be located in and along the convolution 40 of the bellows 36 prior to installing the bearings 44 in the bellows 36.

The relief valve (Figs. 11, 12, 13A and 13B)

11 is a cross-sectional view of the relief valve 58. Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the relief valve 58. Fig. 11 and 12 will be discussed together. Although the relief valve 58 is discussed herein as being used with the reciprocating pump 10, in other non-limiting embodiments, the relief valve 58 may be of a different type, such as a diaphragm pump or any other statically- Lt; / RTI > pump.

The relief valve 58 includes a housing 72, an inlet 74, an outlet 76, a first chamber 78, a second chamber 80, a passage 81, a channel 82, a first valve seat A first valve element 88 with a first valve element 84, a second valve seat 86, a spring-mounted check valve element 90 and a spring 92, a second valve element 94 with balls 96A and 96B ).

The housing 72 is generally a cylindrical body of material comprising a first chamber 78, a second chamber 80, an inlet 74 and an outlet 76. The inlet 74 and the outlet 76 are tubular portions of solid material that extend outwardly from the housing 72. Both the inlet 74 and the outlet 76 may include other configurations for threading or fastening or attachment. The first chamber 78 and the second chamber 80 are compartments within the housing 72 for delivery of fluids such as liquids or gases. The passageway 81 is a passageway for fluid extending through a portion of the housing 72. The channel 82 is a slit, cut, or passage along and in the wall of the second chamber 80. In this embodiment, the first valve seat 84 and the second valve seat 86 are O-rings that provide a sealing surface. The first valve element 88 includes a spring-mounted check valve element 90 and a spring 92. Spring-mounted check valve element 90 is a ball valve element that is connected to spring 92. The second valve element 94 includes balls 96A and 96B of a floating material such as plastic. In another non-limiting embodiment, the second valve element 94 may include one or more hollow balls, elliptical, conical, cylindrical or other shapes.

The inlet 74 of the relief valve 58 is attached to the end cap 46 of the housing 12 and is fluidly connected to the inner portion 38 of the bellows 36 through the passage 50 in the end cap 46 . The first chamber 78 includes a first valve element 88 and a first valve seat 84 and is fluidly connected to the inlet 74 and the second chamber 80. The second chamber 80 includes a second valve element 94 and a second valve seat 86 and is fluidly connected to the outlet 76 and the first chamber 78. The passage 81 is fluidly connected to the first chamber 78 and the second chamber 80. The channel 82 extends along a portion of the wall of the second chamber 80. The first valve seat 84 is located at one end of the first chamber 78 facing the second chamber 80 and is located in the housing 72 between the inlet 74 and the first valve element 88, . The first valve seat 84 includes a configuration configured to create a seal with the first valve element 88 when the first valve element 88 is brought into contact with the first valve seat 84.

The second valve seat 86 is located at one end of the second chamber 80 opposite the first chamber 78 and is partially in the housing 72 between the outlet 76 and the second valve element 94. [ . The second valve seat 86 includes a configuration configured to create a seal with the second valve element 94 when the second valve element 94 is brought into contact with the second valve seat 86. A spring-mountable check valve element 90 is disposed in the first chamber 78. The spring 92 of the first valve element 88 biases the spring-mounted check valve element 90 against the first valve seat 84 and urges the first chamber 78 opposite the first valve seat 84 To the housing 72 at one end thereof. The second valve element 94 is disposed and accommodated in the second chamber 80 so that the second valve element 94 can freely move within the second chamber 80. The second valve element 94 is centered in the second chamber 80 by the housing 72.

In conventional pumps, a bellows is utilized to create a non-sliding seal to prevent exposure of the working fluid to ambient air. To prevent unwanted fluid leakage, a back-up seal can be used to seal the pump rod surrounded by the bellows. However, the back-up seal seals the back of the bellows and prevents the bellows from breathe as the bellows expand and contract. This can cause cycle fatigue and deformation of the bellows. If a simple breathing hole with a screen or mesh is placed between the bellows and the back-up seal, air can flow through the bore, working fluid can drain through the bore, and if the bellows ruptures, It will not continue to operate.

The first valve element 88 with the spring-mounted check valve element 90 allows fluid to leave the inner portion 38 of the bellows 36 and move past the spring-loaded check valve element 90 While being prevented from entering the inner portion 38 of the bellows 36 through the relief valve 58. The first valve element 88 with the spring-mounted check valve element 90 is also designed to have a pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure to ensure that the inner portion 38 of the bellows 36 is not pressurized during the normal cycle of the reciprocating pump 10. [ And is designed to discharge any pressure from the bellows 36, which is substantially high. The first valve element 88 maintains the position of the first valve element 88 relative to the first valve seat 84 when the pressure in the bellows chamber 14 is lower than the atmospheric pressure so that even after the bellows 36 is ruptured Maintain pump operation. The inner side 38 of the bellows 36 may fall below atmospheric pressure during failure of the bellows 36 due to suction of the inlet of the pump.

The second valve element 94 allows low viscosity fluid such as air to be discharged from the relief valve 58 but when the working liquid leaves the reciprocating pump 10 and enters the relief valve 58, The element 94 floats in the working liquid and presses the second valve element 94 against the second valve seat 86. The liquid flow from the relief valve 58 is thereby shut off and the fluid is not allowed to leave the inner side 38 of the bellows 36. However, since the second valve element 94 is lifted only by the fluid having a higher density than the second valve element 94, the second valve element 94 can be checked or closed only when there is liquid in the second chamber 80 do. This configuration allows the spring-mounted check valve element 90 in the first chamber 78 to discharge air to the outside from the inboard portion 38 of the bellows 36 and, in the event of failure of the bellows 36, The valve element 94 prevents the working liquid from escaping the relief valve 58.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the second valve element 94 of the relief valve 58 may include two hollow plastic balls, such as the balls 96A and 96B. In other non-limiting embodiments, the quantity, size, shape, and material of the second valve element 94 may be selected to provide the required buoyancy and flow characteristics. One of the aspects of the hollow plastic ball is that the hollow plastic ball is very lighter so that liquid which may cause problems when air is released from the bellows 36 through the first valve element 88 of the relief valve 58 The hollow plastic ball floats and the relief valve 58 can be sealed. The exhaust air can lift the balls 96A and 96B and seal the balls 96A and 96B against the second valve seat 86 to prevent air from escaping when moving fast enough. The channel 82 in the housing 72 is configured to allow the second valve element 94 to pass through the housing 86 to the second valve seat 86. In order to solve the problem of the discharge air that potentially lifts the second valve element 94 into contact with the second valve seat 86, While providing a path around the second valve element 94 to the air while being centered within the second valve element 72. The channel 82 provides a passage through which air flows to and / or around the second valve element 94.

During failure or rupture of the bellows 36, the configuration of the relief valve 58 prevents air from entering the reciprocating pump 10 and preventing the working fluid from exiting the reciprocating pump 10. The relief valve 58 prevents the pressure inside the inner side 38 of the bellows 36 from becoming excessively high during normal operation of the reciprocating pump 10 and prevents the bellows 36 from rupturing and the pressure inside the bellows chamber 14 The pressure in the bellows 36 of the housing 12 of the reciprocating pump 10 or the inside portion 38 of the bellows chamber 14 is higher than the atmospheric pressure, Thereby preventing the liquid from being pushed out from the reciprocating pump 10.

13A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment that constitutes a second valve element 94 'of a relief valve 58. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of a relief valve 58 with a second valve element 94 '. 13A and 13B will be discussed together.

The second valve element 94 'includes a conical shape and a floating material. 13A, the upper end includes a configuration configured to engage a second valve seat 86 that creates a seal that prevents the transfer of liquid from the second chamber 80 to the outside of the relief valve 58. Similar to the second valve element 94 discussed with respect to Figures 11 and 12, a second valve element 94 'in combination with the channel 82 in the housing 72 is located adjacent to the second valve element 94' Which allows air to flow around and / or around the second chamber 80 because of the air that the second valve element 94 'flows out of the relief valve 58 due to the transfer of air through the second chamber 80, Thereby preventing the valve 58 from closing.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the particular embodiment (s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (13)

A valve for a reciprocating pump,
A housing having an inlet and an outlet;
A first chamber in the housing, the first chamber having a first valve seat and fluidly connected to the inlet;
A second chamber in the housing, the second chamber having a second valve seat and fluidly connected to the outlet and the first chamber;
A first valve element disposed in the first chamber, the first valve element comprising a spring-mounted check valve element; And
A second valve element disposed within the second chamber, wherein the second valve element comprises a floating material. 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the second chamber includes a channel extending into the housing for delivering gas past the second valve element. 2. The valve of claim 1, further comprising a spring located within the first chamber, wherein the spring contacts the housing and deflects the first valve element relative to the first valve seat. The valve of claim 1, wherein the second valve element comprises a hollow plastic ball. 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the second valve element comprises a hollow cone, ellipse or cylinder. A reciprocating pump,
A first housing surrounding the bellows chamber and the displacement chamber;
A rod extending into the reciprocating pump;
A bellows connected to the rod and the first housing, the bellows including a medial side;
An end cap disposed at one end of the first housing, the end cap extending through the rod;
A valve attached to an end cap,
A second housing having an inlet and an outlet;
A first chamber in a second housing, the first chamber having a first valve seat and fluidly connected to the inlet;
A second chamber in the second housing, the second chamber having a second valve seat and fluidly connected to the outlet and the first chamber;
A first valve element disposed in the first chamber, the first valve element comprising a spring-mounted check valve element; And
A second valve element disposed within the second chamber, the second valve element comprising a floating material; And
The passageway in the end cap, wherein the passageway includes a passageway fluidly connecting the medial portion of the bellows to the valve. The method according to claim 6,
12. A bearing, comprising: a bearing disposed between a distal cap and a rod for sliding engagement with the rod; And
Wherein the seal further comprises a seal disposed between the end cap and the rod to prevent transmission of fluid between the rod and the end cap. 7. The reciprocating pump of claim 6, further comprising a sleeve attached to the rod, the sleeve surrounding a portion of the rod. 9. The method of claim 8,
13. A bearing, comprising: a bearing disposed between an end cap and a sleeve for slidably engaging the sleeve; And
Wherein the seal further comprises a seal disposed between the end cap and the rod to prevent transmission of fluid between the rod and the end cap. 7. The reciprocating pump of claim 6, wherein the second chamber includes a channel extending into the housing for delivering gas past the second valve element. 7. The reciprocating pump of claim 6, further comprising a spring located within the first chamber, the spring contacting the housing and deflecting the first valve element relative to the first valve seat. 7. The reciprocating pump of claim 6, wherein the second valve element comprises a hollow plastic ball. 7. The reciprocating pump of claim 6, wherein the second valve element comprises a hollow cone, ellipse or cylinder.

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